Replacement led lamp assembly and modulated power intensity for light source

ABSTRACT

A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED&#39;s on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also be transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod for electrical connection to a power supply as a stand-alone warning signal. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED&#39;s to create a variable intensity light signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application from U.S. application Ser.No. 09/590,881, filed Jun. 9, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,269, which isa Continuation Application from U.S. Application Ser. No. 09/539,189,filed Mar. 30, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,865, which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/127,959, filed Apr. 6,1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Light bars or emergency lights of the type used on emergency vehiclessuch as fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances, utilize warning signallights to produce a variety of light signals. These light signalsinvolve the use of various colors and patterns. Generally, these warningsignal lights consist of revolving and oscillating lamps havingreflective back support members and colored filters.

Many problems exist with the known methods for producing warning lightsignals. One particular problem with known light bars is their relianceon mechanical components to revolve or oscillate the lamps to producethe desired light signal. Additionally, these components increase thesize of the light bar or emergency lights which may adversely affect thevehicles aerodynamic characteristics. Moreover, there is an increasedlikelihood that a breakdown of the light bar will occur requiring therepair or replacement of the defective component. Finally, the knownlight bars require a relatively large amount of electrical currentduring operation. The demands upon the electrical power system for avehicle may therefore exceed available electrical resources reducingoptimization of performance.

The most common light sources being used in light bars or emergencylights include halogen lamps or gaseous discharge xenon lamps. Theselamps emanate large amounts of heat which is difficult to dissipate froma sealed light bar or emergency light and which may damage theelectronic circuitry contained therein. In addition, these lamps consumelarge amounts of current requiring a large power supply or large batteryor electrical source which may be especially problematic for use with avehicle. These lamps also generate substantial electromagnetic emissionswhich may interfere with radio communications. Finally, these lamps,which are not rugged, have relatively short life cycles necessitatingfrequent replacement.

Another problem with the known warning signal lights is the use offilters to produce a desired color. Filtering techniques produce moreheat that must be dissipated. Moreover, changing the color of a lightsource requires the physical removal of the filter from the light bar oremergency light and the insertion of a new filter. Furthermore, filtersfade or flake rendering the filters unable to consistently produce adesired color for observation in an emergency situation.

These problems associated with traditional signaling lamps areexacerbated by the fact that creating multiple light signals requiresmultiple signaling lamps. Further, there is little flexibility inmodifying the light signal created by a lamp. For example, changing astationary lamp into one that rotates or oscillates would require asubstantial modification to the light bar which may not be physically oreconomically possible.

The present invention relates to electrical lamps; more particularly,the invention relates to high brightness light-emitting diode or “LED”technology which operate to replace gaseous discharge or incandescentlamps as used as automotive turn signals, brake lights, and/or back-uplight sources.

Illumination lamps for automobile turn signals, brake lights, back-uplights, and/or marker lights/headlights frequently have accompanyingutility parabolic lens/reflector enclosures which have been used forutility warning signals or emergency vehicle traffic signaling.

These signaling devices as known are commonly referred to as “unmarkedcorner tubes,” “hide-a-way tubes,” or “dome tubes (“Hide-a-Way Tubes” isa trade name of the Whelan Engineering Company).” These signalingdevices as known frequently utilize xenon gaseous discharge tubes orincandescent lamps as the illumination sources.

A problem with the prior art is the cost and failure rate of the known“unmarked corner tubes,” “hide-a-way tubes,” or “dome lights.” Thefailure rate of these devices frequently results in significant amountsof “down time” for a vehicle to effectuate replacement. Further, anofficer is frequently unaware that a vehicle light is inoperativerequiring replacement. This condition reduces the safety to an officerduring the performance of his or her duties. In addition, the reducedlife cycle and failure rate of the known illumination devicessignificantly increases operational costs associated with materialreplacement and labor. A need, therefore, exists to enhance thedurability, and to reduce the failure rate, of illumination deviceswhile simultaneously reducing the cost of a replacement illuminationsource.

In the past, the xenon gaseous discharge lamps have utilized a sealedcompartment, usually a gas tube, which may have been filled with aparticular gas known to have good illuminating characteristics. One suchgas used for this purpose was xenon gas, which provides illuminationwhen it becomes ionized by the appropriate voltage application. Xenongas discharge lamps are used in the automotive industry to provide highintensity lighting and are used on emergency vehicles to provide avisible flashing emergency signal light.

A xenon gas discharge lamp usually comprises a gas-filled tube which hasan anode element at one end and a cathode element at the other end, withboth ends of the tube sealed. The anode and cathode elements each havean electrical conductor attached, which passes through the sealed gasend of the lamp exterior. An ionizing trigger wire is typically wound ina helical manner about the exterior of the glass tube, and this wire isconnected to a high voltage power source typically on the order of 10-12kilowatts (kw). The anode and cathode connections are connected to alower level voltage source which is sufficient to maintain illuminationof the lamp once the interior gas has been ionized by the high voltagesource. The gas remains ignited until the anode/cathode voltage isremoved; and once the gas ionization is stopped, the lamp can be ignitedagain by reapplying the anode/cathode voltage and reapplying the highvoltage to the trigger wire via a voltage pulse.

Xenon gas lamps are frequently made from glass tubes which are formedinto semicircular loops to increase the relative light intensity fromthe lamp while maintaining a relatively small form factor. These lampsgenerate extremely high heat intensity as well as light intensity, andtherefore, require positioning of the lamps so as to not cause heatbuildup in nearby components. The glass tube of a xenon lamp is usuallymounted on a light-based pedestal which is sized to fit into an openingin the light fixture and to hold the heat generating tube surface in alight fixture compartment which is separated from other interiorcompartment surfaces. In a vehicle application, the light and basepedestal are typically sized to fit through an opening in the lightfixture which is about 1 inch in diameter. The light fixture componentmay have a glass or plastic cover made from colored material so as toproduce a colored lighting effect when the lamp is ignited. Xenon gasdischarge lamps naturally produce white light, which may be modified toproduce a colored light, of lesser intensity, by placing the xenon lampin a fixture having a colored lens. The glass tube of the xenon lamp mayalso be painted or otherwise colored to produce a similar result,although the light illumination from the tube tends to dominate thecoloring; and the light may actually have a colored tint appearancerather than a solid colored light. The color blue is particularly hardto produce in this manner.

Because a preferred use of xenon lamps is in connection with emergencyvehicles, it is particularly important that the lamp be capable ofproducing intense coloring associated with emergency vehicles, i.e.,red, blue, amber, green, and clear.

When xenon lamps are mounted in vehicles, some care must be taken toreduce the corroding effects of water and various chemicals, includingroad salt, which might contaminate the light fixture. Corrosive effectsmay destroy the trigger wire and the wire contacts leading to the anodeand cathode. Corrosion is enhanced because of the high heat generatingcharacteristics of the lamp which may heat the air inside the lampfixture when the lamp is in use, and this heated air may condense whenthe lamp is off to buildup moisture inside the fixture. The buildup ofmoisture may result in the shorting out of the electrical wires anddegrade the performance of the emission wire, sometimes preventingproper ionization of the gas within the xenon gas discharge lamp.

Warning lights, due to the type of light source utilized, may berelatively large in size which in turn may have adverse affects uponadjacent operational components. In addition, there is an increasedlikelihood for a breakdown requiring repair or replacement of enlargedcomponents.

The known warning signal lamps generally emanate large amounts of heatwhich is difficult to dissipate from the sealed light bar or emergencylight area and may damage the electronic circuitry contained therein.

Another problem with the known warning signal lights is the use ofrotational and/or oscillating mechanisms which are utilized to impart arotational or oscillating movement to a light source for observationduring emergency situations. These mechanical devices are frequentlycumbersome and difficult to incorporate and couple into variouslocations about a vehicle due to the size of the device. Thesemechanical devices also frequently require a relatively large powersupply to engage and operate the device to impart rotational and/oroscillating movement for a light source. Power consumption of electricalcomponents for an emergency vehicle is of primary consideration forvehicle operators.

Another problem with the known warning signal lights is the absence offlexibility for the provision of variable intensity for the lightsources to increase the number of available distinct and independentvisual light effects. In certain situations it may be desirable toprovide a variable intensity for a light signal or a modulated intensityfor a light signal to provide a unique light effect to facilitateobservation by an individual. In addition, the provision of a variableor modulated intensity for a light signal may further enhance theability to provide a unique desired light effect for observation by anindividual.

No warning lights are known which are flexible and which utilize avariable light intensity to modify a standard lighting effect. Thewarning lights as known are generally limited to a flashing lightsignal. Alternatively, other warning signal lights may provide asequential illumination of light sources. No warning or utility lightsignals are known which simultaneously provide for modulated and/orvariable power intensity for a known type of light signal to create aunique and desirable type of lighting effect.

No warning signal lights are known which provide an irregular or randomlight intensity to a warning signal light to provide a desired lightingeffect. Also, no warning light signals are known which provide a regularpattern of variable or modulated light intensity for a warning signallight to provide a desired type of lighting effect. Further, no warninglight signals known which combine a type of light effect with eitherirregular variable light intensity or regular modulated light intensityto provide a unique and desired combination lighting effect.

It may also be necessary to provide alternative colored LED lightsources which may be electrically controlled for the provision of anydesired pattern of light signals such as flashing, oscillating,modulating, rotational, alternating, and/or strobe light effects withoutthe necessity of spatially inefficient and bulky mechanical rotationaldevices. In this regard, a need exists to provide a spatially andelectrically efficient LED light source for use on an emergency orutility vehicle which provides the appearance of rotation without thenecessity of a mechanical rotational device. In addition, a need existsto provide a spatially and electrically efficient LED light source foruse on an emergency vehicle which provides a flashing, modulated,oscillating, rotational, alternating, and/or strobe light effectswithout the necessity of mechanical devices.

In view of the above, there is a need for a warning signal light that:

(1) Is capable of producing multiple light signals;

(2) Produces the appearance of a revolving or oscillating light signalwithout relying upon mechanical components;

(3) Generates little heat;

(4) Uses substantially less electrical current;

(5) Produces significantly reduced amounts of electromagnetic emissions;

(6) Is rugged and has a long life cycle;

(7) Produces a truer light output color without the use of filters;

(8) Reduces current draw upon an emergency vehicle power supply;

(9) Is positionable at a variety of locations about an emergencyvehicle; and

(10) Provides variable power intensity to the light source withoutadversely affecting the vehicle operator's ability to observe objectswhile seated within the interior of the vehicle

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a light emitting diode(LED) warning signal light which may be depicted in several embodiments.In general, the warning signal light may be formed of an array of lightsources configured on a light support and in electrical communicationwith a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electricalsource. The warning signal light may provide various colored lightsignals for use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may includea stationary light, a strobe light, a revolving light, a flashing light,a modulated or variable intensity light, an oscillating light, analternating light, and/or any combination thereof. Additionally, thewarning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, characters,or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals areproduced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationarylight support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated oroscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also betransportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod forelectrical connection to a power supply, battery, or other electricalsource as a remote stand-alone signaling device.

For the replacement LED lamp, extending from the standard mounting basemay be a light source which one or a plurality of LED lamp modules whichmay be formed of the same or different colors as desired by anindividual. Additionally, rotating and oscillating light signals may beproduced by substitution of an LED light source in an oscillating orreflective light assembly. In addition, the warning signal light and/orreplacement warning signal light may be electrically coupled to acontroller used to modulate the power intensity for the light sources toprovide for various patterns of illumination to create an illusion ofrotation or other type of illusion for the warning signal light withoutthe use of mechanical devices for rotation and/or oscillation motion.

It is also necessary to provide alternative colored LED light sourceswhich may be electrically controlled for the provision of any desiredpattern of light signals such as flashing, oscillating, modulating,rotational, alternating, and/or strobe light effects without thenecessity of spatially inefficient and bulky mechanical rotationaldevices. In this regard, a need exists to provide a spatially andelectrically efficient LED light source for use on an emergency vehiclewhich provides a desired appearance without the necessity of amechanical device. In addition, a need exists to provide a spatially andelectrically efficient LED light source for use on an emergency vehiclewhich provides a flashing, modulated, oscillating, alternating and/orstrobe light effect without the necessity of mechanical devices.

Alternatively, the reflective light assembly may be stationary. Thereflective light assembly may also rotate about a stationary lightsource. In another alternative embodiment, the reflective assembly maybe positioned at an acute angle approximately 45° above a stationary LEDpanel or a solitary light source where the reflector is rotated about apivot point and axis to create the appearance of rotation for the lightsource. The light source may be utilized in conjunction with thereflective assembly and may also be electrically coupled to a controllerfor the provision of pulsating, variable, and/or modulated lightintensity for observation by an individual.

The controller is preferably in electrical communication with the powersupply and the LED's to modulate the power intensity for the LED lightsources for variable illumination of the LED light sources to providefor the appearance of rotation, pulsation, oscillation, strobe,flashing, alternating, and/or stationary light without the necessity formechanical devices.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide a warning signallight capable of simulating a revolving or oscillating light signalswithout the use of mechanical components.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the warning signallight is capable of producing several different types of light signals.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to be rugged andhave a relatively longer life cycle than traditional warning signallights.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to produce a trueror pure light output color without the use of filters.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to allow the user toadjust the color of the light signal without having to make a physicaladjustment from a multi-colored panel.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that it may beformed into various shapes. This allows the invention to be customizedfor the particular need.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the lightsignal produced may be easily customized by the user via a controller ormicroprocessor.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which is formed of a relatively simpleand inexpensive design, construction, and operation and which fulfillsthe intended purpose without fear of failure or injury to persons and/ordamage to property.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which is flexible and which may easilyreplace existing illumination devices used as turn signals, brakelights, back-up lights, marker lights, and headlights in utilitylens/reflector enclosures.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source for creation of bright bursts ofintense colored light to enhance the visibility and safety of a vehiclein an emergency signaling situation.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which is flexible and may easilyreplace existing illumination devices at a much more economic expenseand further having a reduced failure rate.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which produces brilliant lighting inany of the colors associated with an emergency vehicle light signal suchas red, blue, amber, green, and/or white.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which is highly resistant to corrosiveeffects and which is impervious to moisture build-up.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which has an extended life cycle andcontinues to operate at maximum efficiency throughout its life cycle.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which draws less current and/or has areduced power requirement from a power source for a vehicle.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source having improved reliability as comparedto xenon gaseous discharge lamps and/or incandescent lamps as currentlyused on emergency vehicles.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which is simple and may facilitate theease of installation and replacement of a xenon and/or incandescentlight source from a motor vehicle.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which reduces RF emissions which mayinterfere with other radio and electronic equipment in an emergencyvehicle.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which functions under cooler operatingtemperatures and conditions thereby minimizing the exposure of heat toadjacent component parts which, in turn, reduces damage caused byexcessive heat.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source having simplified circuitry foroperation as compared to xenon gaseous discharge lamps and/orincandescent lamps as used with an emergency vehicle.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an LED light source which is flexible and which may beconnected to a modulated power source to modulate the power intensityfor the light source to provide the appearance of rotation and/oroscillation without the use of mechanical rotational or oscillatingdevices.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of a warning signal light which may be easily visualizedduring emergency situations thereby enhancing the safety of emergencypersonnel.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of a warning signal light which includes LED technology andwhich is operated by a controller to provide any desired type or colorof light signal including but not limited to rotational, pulsating,oscillating, strobe, flashing, alternating, and/or stationary lightswithout the necessity for mechanical devices.

Still another principal advantage of the present invention is theprovision of a warning signal light which is capable of simultaneouslyproducing several different types of light signals.

A feature of the invention is a plurality of light emitting diodes(LED's), integral to a circuit board, where the LED's are aligned invertical columns and horizontal rows.

Another feature of the invention is the mounting of a panel of LED's toa mechanical device which rotates or oscillates the panel during use asa warning signal light on an emergency vehicle.

Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of a plurality ofLED's mounted to a flexible circuit board which may be manipulated intoany desired configuration and which may be used as a stationary,rotating, or oscillating signal light by an emergency vehicle.

Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of an LED supportmember supporting an array of colored LED's and a controller capable ofselectively illuminating the LED's of the same color to produce a singleor mixed colored light signal.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of a lightemitting diode support member having an array of LED's disposed about afront surface consisting of at least two sides and a controller capableof producing light signals on each side which are independent of eachother.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of an LEDsupport member having an array of LED's angularly offset with respect tothe LED support member for the provision of a horizontal light signal asviewed by an individual when the LED support member is mounted withinthe interior of the forward or rear windshield of a vehicle.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of an LEDsupport member which may be easily connectable and/or removed from atransportable support such as a tripod for placement of an LED warningsignal light at any location as desired by an individual.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of an LEDsupport member which may be easily connectable to an emergency vehicle,including but not limited to automobiles, ambulances, trucks,motorcycles, snowmobiles, and/or any other type of vehicle in whichwarning signal or emergency lights are utilized.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision a basehaving one or more LED's mounted thereon where said base is adapted forinsertion into a standard one inch opening presently used for receivingxenon strobe tubes as a replacement LED warning light signaling lightsource.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision a basehaving one or more LED's mounted thereon which is adapted for insertioninto a mechanical device which rotates or oscillates a light sourceduring use as a warning signal light on an emergency vehicle.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision amicroprocessor/controller which is in electrical communication with theLED light signal to selectively activate individual LED's to produce aflashing, strobe, alternating, rotating, oscillating, pulsating, and/orstationary light signals.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision a basehaving one or more LED's mounted thereon where the LED lamp modules areof the same or different colors for use as a light signal.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision acontroller capable of selectively activating individual LED's of the LEDlamp module of the same or different colors to produce a single or mixedcolored light signal.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision an LEDlight signal which may be easily electrically coupled to a controller.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision awarning signal light having a plurality of arrays of LED light sourcesaffixed to the exterior of an emergency vehicle in electricalcommunication to each other.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision awarning signal light having a controller in electrical communicationwith a plurality of arrays of LED warning signal lights or a singlelight sources for the provision of a modulated power intensity to createthe appearance of rotational, pulsating, or oscillating motion for thelight sources without the necessity for mechanical devices.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision awarning signal light having a controller in electrical communicationwith a plurality of LED warning signal lights for the provision ofmodulated power intensity to establish the appearance of rotation,pulsation, or oscillation for the light sources without the necessityfor mechanical devices.

Still another feature of the present invention is the provision an LEDlight source where the power may be modulated by the controller toproduce variable power intensity for the light sources to providevarious desired patterns of illumination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an emergency vehicle equippedwith a light bar containing warning signal lights according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial front elevation view of an emergency vehicleequipped with a light bar containing warning signal lights referring toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a warning signal light attached to agyrator according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to anembodiment of the invention depicting the sequential activation ofcolumns of light-emitting diodes (LED's).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to anembodiment of the invention depicting sequential activation of rows ofLED's;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are schematic diagrams of the controllercircuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective detailed view of a warning signal lightattached to the interior of a windshield of an emergency vehicle;

FIG. 14 is a side plan view of a warning signal light mounted to aninterior surface of an emergency vehicle window having auxiliary offsetindividual LED light sources;

FIG. 15 is an environmental view of a warning signal light as engaged toa remote support device such as a tripod;

FIG. 16 is a detailed isometric view of a xenon strobe tube and standardmounting base;

FIG. 17 is a detailed isometric view of the replacement LED light sourceand standard mounting base;

FIG. 18 is a detailed isometric view of an incandescent lamp lightsource and standard mounting base;

FIG. 19 is a detailed isometric view of a replacement LED lamp andstandard mounting base;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a standard halogen light source mounted in arotating reflector;

FIG. 21 is a detailed rear view of a rotating reflector mechanism;

FIG. 22 is a detailed front view of the LED light source mounted to arotating reflector;

FIG. 23 is a detailed front view of a replacement LED light source;

FIG. 24 is a detailed side view of a replacement LED light source; and

FIG. 25 is a detailed isometric view of a replacement LED light sourceand cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A warning signal light according to the principles of the invention isindicated generally herein as numeral 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict light bar70 mounted to an emergency vehicle 104. Light bar 70 includes base 72,mounting means 74, cover 82, and warning signal lights 10. Also includedin light bar 70 are gyrators 90 used to impart motion to warning signallights 10.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, warning signal light 10 comprises lightsupport 12, light sources 30, controller 50 (shown in FIG. 11), andconnecting portion 40 for attaching the warning signal light 10 to lightbar 70 or gyrator 90. The warning signal light 10 operates to create awarning signal for use by an emergency vehicle 104 by selectivelyactivating light sources 30 using controller 50. Alternatively, warningsignal light 10 may be formed of a solitary LED light source 30 at thediscretion of an individual.

Light sources 30 are preferably light emitting diodes (LED's) and aregenerally arranged in aligned columns 32 and rows 34 as shown in FIGS. 7and 9. Each of the light emitting diodes (LED's) may have shoulderportion 38 adjacent LED support 12 and dome 36. LED's 30 are situated tobe in electric communication with controller 50 and a power supply, abattery, or power source. The use of light emitting diodes (LED's) toreplace traditional halogen or gaseous discharge xenon lamps reducesheat generation, current draw, and electromagnetic emissions, whileincreasing lamp life and producing a more true output light color.

Controller 50, is used to selectively activate columns 32, rows 34, orindividual LED's 30, to create a constant light signal, a strobe lightsignal, a pulsating light signal, a flashing light signal, the illusionof a rotating or an oscillating light signal, a reverse charactermessage, or images such as arrows. FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show anembodiment of controller 50 capable of selectively activating columns32, rows 34 or individual LED's 30. Controller 50 generally comprisesmicroprocessor 52 and circuitry 53 and is preferably contained within,attached to, or an element of, LED support 12. It is envisioned thatcontroller 50 be programmed by an external controller 55 and poweredthrough cable R.

In a preferred embodiment, controller 50 generally comprises circuitboard 54 having microprocessor 52 attached to a low voltage powersupply, battery, or electrical source 56. Microprocessor 52 isconfigured through circuitry 53 to selectively activate columns 32 ofLED's 30. Transistors Q9 and Q10 are in electronic communication withmicroprocessor 52, power supply, battery, or electrical source 56, andtheir respective columns 32.9 and 32.10 of LED's 30. Columns 32 of LED's30 are connected to transistors Q1-Q8, which are in turn connected tomicroprocessor 52 through resistors R1-R8. Microprocessor 52 is capableof selectively activating transistors Q1-Q8 to allow current flowingthrough transistors Q9 and Q-10 to activate the selected column 32 ofLED's 30. This circuit is capable of producing a constant light signal,a strobe light signal, a revolving light signal, a pulsating lightsignal, an oscillating light signal, or flashing light signal, a reversecharacter message, or images such as arrows.

In one embodiment, a rotating or oscillating light signal is preferablyestablished by the sequential illumination of entire columns 32 of LED's30 turning a desired number of columns on and then sequentiallyilluminating one additional column 32 while turning another column 32off. Alternatively, the rotating or oscillating light signal may becreated by selectively activating columns 32 of LED's 30. The followingalgorithm may be used to provide a counterclockwise revolving lightsignal (FIG. 9):

1) column A is activated at 0% duty cycle (column A 0%), column B 0%,column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, columnH 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

2) column A 25%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

3) column A 50%, column B 25%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

4) column A 75%, column B 50%, column C 25%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

5) column A 100%, column B 75%, column C 50%, column D 25%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

6) column A 100%, column B 100%, column C 75%, column D 50%, column E25% column, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, andcolumn J 0%;;

7) column A 75%, column B 100%, column C 100%, column D 75%, column E50%, F 25%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

8) column A 50%, column B 75%, column C 100%, column D 100%, column E75%, column F 50%, column G 25%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J0%;

9) column A 25%, column B 50%, column C 75%, column D 100%, column E100%, column F 75%, column G 50%, column H 25%, column I 0%, and columnJ 0%;

10) column A 0%, column B 25%, column C 50%, column D 75%, column E100%, column F 100%, column G 75%, column H 50%, column I 25%, andcolumn J 0%;

11) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 25%, column D 50%, column E 75%,column F 100%, column G 100%, column H 75%, column I 50%, and column J25%;

12) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 25%, column E 50%,column F 75%, column G 100%, column H 100%, column I 75%, and column J50%;

13) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 25%,column F 50%, column G 75%, column H 100%, column 1100%, and column J75%;

14) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 25%, column G 50%, column H 75%, column I 100%, and column J100%;

15) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 25%, column H 50%, column I 75%, and column J100%;

16) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 25%, column I 50%, and column J 75%;

17) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 25%, and column J 50%;

18) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 25%;

19) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%;

20) return to step 1).

A clockwise revolving light signal is created by performing steps 1-19in descending order then repeating the steps. An oscillating lightsignal is created by performing: (a) steps 7 through 16 in ascendingorder; (b) steps 7 through 16 in descending order; and (c) repeating (a)and (b).

A second embodiment of controller 50 provides a means for activatingLED's 30 individually to allow for greater flexibility in the type oflight signal created. This embodiment of the invention is capable ofdisplaying information in different colors or patterns. Depending on thesize of the display, it may be necessary to scroll the symbols orcharacters across the display to accommodate for a larger visualappearance. It is envisioned that the mirror image of patterns, symbols,or characters could be displayed making the message easily readable bydrivers viewing the signal in a rear view mirror. It is also envisionedthat this embodiment of the invention could display arrows indicating adirection a vehicle is to travel or other images as shown in FIG. 2. Inaddition, combinations of signaling lights, direction arrows, and otherinformation carrying signals or images, could be displayedsimultaneously by the invention.

LED support 12 is envisioned to have several embodiments. Oneembodiment, shown in FIG. 9, consists of a panel 14 having front 16,back 18, top 20, bottom 22 and sides 24. LED's 30 are arranged on front16, with domes 36 extending therefrom, in columns 32 and rows 34. LED's30 are in electric communication with controller 50 which may becontained or sealed within LED support 12 to provide protection from theelements.

Another embodiment of warning signal light 10 is depicted in FIG. 10.Here, the backs 18 of two panels 14 are attached together to allow for alight signal to be produced on two sides. The two panels form LEDsupport 12. Alternatively, it is envisioned that a single panel 14having LED's arranged about front 16 and back 18 could be used as well.

FIGS. 6 and 8 show further embodiments of warning signal light 10. InFIG. 8, panels 14 are used to form an LED support 12 having four sidesand generally shaped as squared. FIG. 6 shows panels 14 connected toform an LED support 12 having three sides and generally shaped as atriangulated cylinder. In both embodiments, LED's 30 are arranged aboutthe fronts 16 of the panels 14. It is further envisioned that panels 14may be integral to each other.

Yet another embodiment of warning signal light 10, consists of aflexible panel 14 and controller 50 to allow LED support 12 to be formedinto various shapes. FIG. 5 shows LED support 12 formed into a circularcylinder. Further variations include the use of flexible panels 14 toform other shapes such as semicircles (FIG. 12) or to simply conform toa surface of an emergency vehicle (FIGS. 13 and 14). This embodiment isparticularly useful for undercover vehicles which generally position thewarning signal lights inside the vehicle. For example, panel 14 could beattached to the front, rear, or side window of an undercover police car.

It should be noted that numerous other shapes could be formed frompanels 14 including those formed from combinations of flat, curved, andflexible panels at the preference of an individual.

In each of the embodiments discussed above, the array of LED's 30 maycomprise the same or differently colored LED's. Generally, each columnmay consist of a series of differently colored LED's. Controller 50 maybe configured to select the color LED to utilize in forming the lightsignal. Accordingly, the user may select that a blue, red, white,yellow, green, amber, or combination thereof be used as the color oflight signal. Alternatively, the warning signal 10 may be formed ofindividual LED's 30 which may be selectively illuminated at thediscretion of an individual.

It is also envisioned that the controller 50 may control warning signallights 10 having multiple sides (FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 10) such that eachside is capable of producing light signals that are independent and/ordifferent from those produced by the other sides. For example, thesquared cylinder warning signal light shown in FIG. 8 may produce orsimulate a red revolving light on first side 15.1, while second side15.2 is simultaneously producing a blue oscillating light, while thirdside 15.3 is producing or simulating a stationary white light, and whilefourth side 15.4 is producing a white strobe light.

Another embodiment of warning signal light 10 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and2 as light bar 70 which extends from driver side 100 to passenger side102 of emergency vehicle 104. Cover 82 protects light bar 70 from theelements. Each side of light bar 70 may have LED's 30 to produce orsimulate light signals on each side of emergency vehicle 104.Furthermore, controller 50 is used to create multiple light signals oneach side of light bar 70. For example, controller 50 may create asimulated revolving blue light positioned at front passenger side 102 oflight bar 70, oscillating white lights positioned at front driver side100, and yellow arrows there between. Additional or alternative lightsignals may be produced out the back 18 and sides of light bar 70. It isfurther envisioned that light bar 70 may consist of a single large arrayof LED's 30 across each side (not shown). This embodiment provides thelargest display and, therefore, is best suited to display desiredcombinations of warning lights and images.

Mechanical rotation and oscillation of warning signal lights 10 aboutaxis A is possible by way of attachment to gyrator 90 depicted in FIG.3. Gyrator 90 mounted to light bar 70, generally comprises electricmotors 96 having cables 97. Gyrator 90 is configured to receiveconnecting portion 40 of warning signal light 10. Cable 97 is preferablyconnected to a power supply and either an external controller 55 orcontroller 50.

Gyrator 90 may be capable of rotating or oscillating warning signallight 10 about a single or dual axis of rotation A. FIG. 3 shows gyrator90 configured to rotate or oscillate warning signal light 10 about avertical axis A by way of motor 96.1 and oscillate warning signal light10 about a horizontal axis A by way of motor 96.2. Rotation oroscillation of warning signal light 10 about vertical axis A isaccomplished through direct attachment of connecting portion to motor96.1. Oscillation of warning signal light 10 about horizontal axis A isaccomplished by attaching swivel arm 99 to bracket 99.1 and post 99.2which is mounted to motor 96.2.

Alternative methods for imparting rotation or oscillation of warningsignal light 10 may be accomplished through the use of electric motors,toothed gears, and worm gears. In addition, maintaining electricalcommunication between a power supply and an external controller 55 witha revolving or oscillating warning signal light 10 may be accomplishedusing brushes or other means without sacrificing the operation of thewarning signal light 10.

In another embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, emergency vehicle104 may include a front or rear windshield 106. The front or rearwindshield 106 is generally angularly offset with respect to the vehicleat an approximate angle of 45 degrees. In this embodiment, the mountingof a panel 14 of light sources 30 in flush contact with the interior ofa front or rear windshield 106 occurs through the use of angular offsets108 for the light sources 30 such that light emitted from the lightsources 30 occur at a horizontal visual line (V) which is substantiallyparallel to the plane of a vehicle and not at an approximate angle of 45degrees upward which corresponds to the angle for the front or rearwindshield 106.

In this embodiment, the ease of visualization of the light source 30 issignificantly enhanced by the downward angular offsets 108 whichposition the light sources 30 along parallel visual lines of sight (V).LED supports 12 or panels 14 may then be positioned in any desiredlocation within the interior of a vehicle in flush contact or proximateto the front or rear windshield 106. A suitable cable 97 is required toprovide electrical power for illumination of the light sources 30. Itshould be noted that the angle of incidence for the angular offsets 108may vary considerably dependent upon the make or model for the vehicleto include the warning signal lights 10.

It should be further noted that the warning signal light 10 may be usedwith an automobile, motorcycle, snowmobile, personal water craft, boat,truck, fire vehicle, helicopter, and/or any other type of vehiclereceptive to the use of warning signal lights 10. It should be furthernoted that LED support 12 or panel 14 may be mounted to the interior topdashboard of a vehicle proximate to the front windshield 106 or to theinterior top rear dashboard proximate to the rear windshield 106 of avehicle.

Mounting of a light support 12 or panel 14 to either the front or reardashboards may minimize the necessity for inclusion of angular offset108 for the light sources 30. It should be further noted that LEDsupports 12 or panels 14 may be releasably affixed to the interior ofthe front or rear windshields 106 via the use of suction cups,hook-and-loop fabric material such as Velcro®, and/or any otherreleasable affixation mechanism at the preference of an individual. Anindividual may then adjust and reposition the location of the lightsupport 12 or panels 14 anywhere within the interior of a vehicle asdesired for maximization of visualization of the warning signal lights10.

In another alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 15, warning signallight 10 may function as a remote, revolving, or stationary beacon. Inthis embodiment, LED support 12 or panel 14 is preferably releasablyconnected to a transportable support 120 via the use of a bracket. Thetransportable support 120 may be a tripod having telescoping legs or maybe any other type of support as preferred by an individual. In thisembodiment, LED support 12 or panel 14 is electrically connected to anelongate electrical extension cable 97 which may include any desiredadapter for electrical communication with the electrical system of avehicle. The remote light support 12 or panel 14 may also includeplug-in adapters for electrical connection to any desired electricalpower source other than a vehicle as is available.

The transportable support 120 may also include gyrator 90 as earlierdescribed to provide a desired rotational or oscillatory motion forwarning signal light 10. A controller 50 having a microprocessor 52 mayalso be integral to or in electrical communication with LED's 30 for theprovision of multi-colored lights, flashing, or moving characters asdesired by an individual. In this embodiment, the warning signal light10 may be physically separated from an emergency vehicle 104 any desireddistance to facilitate or enhance the safety of a potentially dangeroussituation necessitating the use of warning signal lights 10. Inaddition, it should be noted that a series of remote warning signallights 10 may be electrically coupled to each other for any desireddistance to again facilitate the safety of a situation necessitating theuse of warning signal lights 10.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a xenon lamp 1. Xenon lamp 1 has abase pedestal 2 which is typically formed of rubber, plastic, or otherinsulating material. Base pedestal 2 has a top surface 3 which maysupport a glass tube 4 which may have a looped curve such that an anodeend and a cathode end are each supported on a top surface. The anode andcathode ends may be sealed and respective electrical conductors 5 and 6may pass through the sealed ends and through the top surface 3. Atrigger wire 7 may be helically wound about the exterior surface of theglass tube 4 and the ends of the trigger wire 7 may be passed throughthe top surface 3 of the base pedestal 2 to form a third conductor onthe underside of the base pedestal 2.

Base pedestal 2 may have an upper cylinder portion 8 extending from alower shoulder all of which may extend above the top surface 3. Theupper cylindrical portion 8 may include an upper shoulder 9. A glassdome (not shown) may be sized to fit over the xenon lamp 1 and glasstube 4 for resting on the upper shoulder 9. The glass dome may bepreferably made from a transparent or silicate glass material capable ofwithstanding heat stress. The outer diameter of the glass dome istypically about one inch which is sized to fit through the conventionalopening in a typical vehicle lamp fixture. The exterior glass domesurface typically has a much lower temperature during operation than theexterior surface of the glass tube 4 forming a part of the xenon lamp 1.The temperature drop between the glass tube 4 and the glass domefacilitates the use of coloring of the dome to provide a colored lamp byvirtue of the xenon light intensity passing through the colored dome.

The xenon lamp 1 is preferably aligned for insertion into a conventionalopening 248 of a light reflector 260 (FIGS. 20 and 21). The lightreceptacle opening 248 in the light reflector 260 is typically about oneinch in diameter; and the glass dome and base pedestal 2 are preferablysized to fit within the light receptacle opening 248. The xenon lamp 1in its final construction may include a cover plate (not shown) affixedover the bottom opening of the base pedestal 2 for affixation to a lightreflector 260 via the use of screws which pass through the screwapertures 9.1. The anode, cathode, and trigger wire 7 preferablytraverse the base pedestal 2 and may include a plug 9.2 which is adaptedfor engagement to a controller/power supply for a motor vehicle.

The light reflector 260 may be a conventional light reflector of thetype found in vehicles having a clear plastic or glass lens cover. Theglass or lens cover may be fitted over the front edge of the reflector260 in a manner which is conventional with vehicle lamps. It should benoted that the light reflector 260 may be parabolically or other shapedat the preference of an individual. The light reflector 260 may bemounted to a motor for rotation about a vertical axis. In thisembodiment the light source/replacement lamp 200 may be integrallyconnected or affixed to the reflector 260 for simultaneous rotationabout the vertical axis during use of the motor. Alternatively, thelight source/replacement lamp 200 may be fixed proximate to the verticalaxis where the light reflector 260 is rotated around the stationaryreplacement lamp 200 to provide for the visual appearance of arotational light source.

The glass domes as used with the xenon lamps 1 may be colored with anycolor as preferred by an individual including but not limited to red,blue, amber, green, and/or white. It should be noted that the lightfixture incorporating the light reflector 260 may be a headlight fixtureor a turn signal light fixture where the xenon lamp 1 is mounted intothe light reflector 260 on either side of a centrally-mounted halogenlight bulb which may be used as a headlight lamp. In this case, thelight fixture could perform its normal function as a headlight and couldalternatively flash several additional colors, depending upon the needsof the user. This configuration provides an emergency flashing lightconstruction which is wholly concealed within a normal head lamp of avehicle and is, therefore, not readily visible from outside the vehicleunless the lights are flashing. This construction may find applicationin an unmarked emergency vehicles such as might be used by some lawenforcement officers.

In operation, the LED replacement lamp 200 may be constructed as areplacement part for a conventional incandescent or xenon gaseousdischarge lamp. The standard mounting base 204 and LED support assembly212 may be sized to readily fit into the same light opening as anincandescent lamp would require, although it is apparent the electricaldriving circuit for the xenon lamp 1 may require modifications toaccommodate the gas discharge operating principles.

LED warning signal lamp 200 may be used in a variety of locations abouta vehicle. It should be noted that the use of the LED warning signallamps 200 are not necessarily limited to positioning adjacent to thehead lamp or headlight, tail light, or turn signal illumination devicesfor an emergency vehicle 104. The LED warning signal lamp 200 may beused as a rotational, pulsating, or oscillating reflector light withinthe interior adjacent to a front, rear, and/or side window of a vehicle.

It is also envisioned that the controller 50 may control warning signallights 200 independently of one another such that each warning signallamp 200 is capable of producing light signals which are independentand/or different from those produced at another location about anemergency vehicle 104. For example, a front left turn signal may producea red colored light while simultaneously a front right turn signal mayproduce an amber colored light and a right rear turn signal may producea green colored light and a left rear turn signal may produce a bluecolored light. The controller 50 may then alternate the color of thelight illuminated from the warning signal lamp 200 in each area asdesired by an individual. Alternatively, the controller 50 maysequentially activate warning signal lamps 200 positioned about anemergency vehicle 104 to simultaneously produce a desired color oralternating sequence of colors. It should also be noted that thecontroller 50 may simultaneously illuminate all LED warning signal lamps200 to produce a flashing or strobe light which may be particularlyuseful in certain emergency situations. It should be further noted thatthe controller 50 may selectively illuminate individual LED warningsignal lamps 200 in any desired color, pattern, and/or combination asdesired by an individual.

Referring to FIG. 17 in detail, an LED replacement lamp 200 is depicted.In this embodiment the LED replacement lamp 200 includes a standardmounting base 204 which preferably includes a top surface 206. Extendingupwardly from the top surface 206 is preferably an upper cylindricalportion 208 which includes an upper shoulder 210. Extending upwardlyfrom the upper shoulder 210 is preferably a support 212 which includesone or more LED lamp modules 213. The LED lamp modules 213 may be of thesame or different colors at the discretion of an individual. A wire 202is preferably in electrical communication with the plurality of LED lampmodules 213 to provide the electrical communication and contact for thecontroller 50 to individually activate or illuminate LED lamp modules213 as preferred by an individual. A plug-in connector 40 is preferablycoupled to the wire 202 for engagement to the controller 50 and/or powersource of an emergency vehicle 104.

The LED replacement lamp 200 is preferably adapted to be positioned in aone inch light receptacle opening 248 (approximate size) which has beenpreviously drilled into the backside of a reflector assembly 260. TheLED replacement lamp 200 is preferably used to replace a xenon gaseousdischarge lamp or incandescent lamp as previously mounted to a base andas inserted in opening 248 in a reflector assembly 260. Illumination ofone or more individual LED lamp modules 213, as mounted in the reflectorassembly 260, enables the reflector assembly/lens to take on theappearance of a warning signal or emergency signaling lamp. The LEDreplacement lamp 200 preferably replaces the xenon gaseous discharge orincandescent lamp assemblies with high brightness, long life LEDtechnology.

Referring to FIG. 18, an incandescent lamp or quartz halogen H-2 lamp isdepicted and in general is indicated by the numeral 220. Theincandescent lamp assembly 220 is preferably formed of a standardmounting base 222. A vertical post 224 preferably extends upwardly fromthe standard mounting base 222. The incandescent light bulb 226 ispreferably mounted in the vertical post 224. The vertical post 224 mayextend below the standard mounting base 222 to provide for electricalcoupling with a wire 228 which preferably includes a standard pinconnector 230. The standard pin connector 230 is preferably adapted forelectrical communication to a power supply and/or controller 50 foractivation of the incandescent lamp assembly 220. The incandescent lampassembly 220 may be stationary or mounted in a rotational lightreflector 260 as desired by an individual. The light bulb 226 may be ahalogen H-2, 55 watt, lamp at the discretion of an individual.

As depicted in FIG. 19, LED replacement lamp 200 is adapted to replacethe incandescent lamp assembly 220 in a stationary or rotational lightreflector 260. The LED replacement lamp 200 as depicted in FIG. 19preferably includes a standard mounting base 234 and a vertical post236. It should be noted that the vertical post 236 may extend upwardlyfrom the standard mounting base 234 and may alternatively extend belowthe standard mounting base 234 at the preference of an individual. AnLED mounting area 238 may be preferably integral or affixed to the uppersection of the vertical post 236. The LED mounting area 238 preferablyincludes a plurality of individual LED module lamps 240 which may beindividually, sequentially, or illuminated in combination with otherlight sources at the preference of an individual.

The individual LED module lamps 240 are preferably in electricalcommunication with a wire 242 which includes an integral standard wireconnector 244. The wire connector 244 is preferably adapted to beplugged into a controller 50 or power supply. Communication is therebyprovided for selective illumination of the individual LED module lamps240. It should be noted that a group of individual LED module lamps 240are mounted in the LED mounting area 238. It should also be noted thatthe LED replacement lamp 200 is preferably adapted to replace theincandescent lamp assembly 220 or a xenon gaseous discharge lampassembly socket base of FIGS. 16 or 18. The purpose of the LEDreplacement lamp assembly 200 is to replace existing xenon gaseousdischarge and incandescent lamps with new LED technology whilesimultaneously utilizing existing standard bases in a standard lampenclosure. For example, an individual may choose to replace a halogen“H-2” 55 watt lamp with an “LED-2” lamp in an existing rotating lightfixture with no other structural modifications, yet achieving theadvantages of less power consumption, greater reliability, easierinstallation, less RF emissions (which reduces interference with radioor electronic equipment), cooler operating temperatures, simplifiedcircuitry, longer life, greater durability and duty capability, andsimultaneously providing pure and easier-to-see color light output.

As depicted in FIG. 20, a rotational light reflector 246 is disclosed.The rotational light fixture 246 includes a reflector assembly 260having a standard opening 248. The incandescent light assembly 220 ispreferably positioned in the standard opening 248 for extension of thevertical post 224 outwardly from the reflector assembly 260 forpositioning of the light bulb 226 in a desired location. Light emittedfrom the standard halogen light bulb 226 preferably reflects off theparabolic-shaped reflector assembly 260 for transmission of light in adirection as indicated by arrows AA for visualization by individuals.Reflector assembly 260 and light source 226 may be rotated via the useof gears 250 and/or brushes which are preferably driven by electricalmotors not shown. In this manner, the rotational light fixture 246including the reflector assembly 260 may be rotated at any desiredvelocity as preferred by an individual.

As may be seen in FIG. 21, a rear or back view of the rotational lightfixture 246 is provided. As may be seen in FIG. 21, the light source ispreferably positioned in the standard opening 248. The wire 228 as inelectrical communication with the light source and is preferablyconnected via the standard pin connector 230 for electricalcommunication with a power source.

As depicted in FIG. 22, an alternative rotational light fixture 252 isdepicted. Rotational light fixture 252 preferably includes a reflectorassembly 260 which may be parabolic in shape for the transmission oflight along a common axis as depicted by arrows BB for visualization byan individual. In this embodiment, the individual LED module lamps 240may be positioned to the front of the reflector assembly 260 through theuse of a frame 254. The frame 254 may be integral or connected to a gear250 as desired by an individual. The gear 250 may be driven by a motorfor rotation of the light fixture 252. It should be noted that theindividual LED module lamps 240 are preferably in electricalcommunication with a power source not shown.

It should be further noted that the rotational light fixture 252 mayalso be adapted for oscillating or pulsating at the preference of anindividual.

An alternative replacement LED lamp 200 is depicted in FIGS. 23-25. Inthis embodiment the LED replacement lamp 200 includes a standardmounting base 270. The standard mounting base 270 also preferablyincludes a plurality of teeth 272. The teeth 272 are preferably adaptedfor mating coupling with gears integral to a motor and/or reflector 260,or rotational light fixture 246 to facilitate rotation and/oroscillation of the replacement LED lamp 200 at the discretion of anindividual. The standard mounting base 270 also preferably includes atop surface 274 opposite to the teeth 272.

An upper cylinder portion 276 is preferably adjacent to the top surface274. The upper cylindrical portion 276 preferably includes an uppershoulder 278. Extending upwardly from the upper shoulder 278 ispreferably a circuit board or support 280 which preferably includes oneor more LED illumination sources 282. The LED illumination sources 282may be of the same or different colors at the preference of anindividual. A wire 284 is preferably in electrical communication withthe LED illumination sources 282 to provide for communication andcontact with the controller 50 for combination and/or individualillumination of the LED illumination sources 282. A standard plug-inconnector may be integral to the wire 284 to facilitate couplingengagement to the controller 50 and/or power source for a vehicle 104.

The circuit board 280 is preferably adapted to have a first side 286 andan opposite side 288. Preferably a plurality of LED illumination sources282 are disposed on both the first side 286 and the opposite side 288 ofthe replacement lamp 200.

A glass dome or protector 290 is preferably adapted for positioning overthe circuit board 280 for sealing engagement to the top surface 274 ofthe standard mounting base 270. The glass dome 290 may be formed oftransparent plastic material or a transparent or silicate glass materialcapable of withstanding heat stress at the preference of an individual.It should be further noted that the glass dome 290 preferably protectsthe circuit board 280 and the LED illumination sources 282 fromcontamination and from exposure to moisture during use of thereplacement lamp 200. In this regard, the sealing lip 292 of the glassdome 290 preferably is securely affixed to the top surface 274 toeffectuate sealing engagement therebetween. The outer diameter of theglass dome 290 is preferably about one inch which is sized to fit withinthe conventional opening 248 in a typical lamp fixture or reflectorassembly 260.

The replacement lamp 200 depicted in FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 is alsoadapted to be positioned in a one inch light receptacle opening 248which has been placed into a reflector assembly 260. Illumination of oneor more individual LED illumination sources 282 as disposed on thecircuit board 280 enables the replacement lamp 200 to take on theappearance of a warning signal or emergency signaling lamp.

The replacement lamp as depicted in FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 mayalternatively permit the circuit board 280 to extend below the uppershoulder 278 to facilitate affixation and positioning relative to thestandard mounting base 270.

The controller 50 may regulate the illumination of the LED light sources282 individually, or in combination, to provide a desired lightingeffect for the replacement lamp 200. Also, the controller 50 mayilluminate the LED light sources 282 individually, or in combination,independently with respect to the first side 286 and the opposite side288 to provide different light effects to be observed by an individualdependant upon the location of the person relative to the replacementlamp 200. The controller 50 may also regulate the power intensity to theLED illumination sources 282 to provide for a modulated or variablelight intensity for observation by an individual. It should also benoted that the LED illumination sources 282 may be formed of the same ordifferent colors at the preference of an individual to provide a desiredtype of light effect for the replacement lamp 200.

In an alternative embodiment, the LED warning signal lamps 10 or LEDreplacement lamps 200 may be electrically coupled to a controller 50which in turn is used to provide a modulated power intensity for thelight source. A modulated power intensity enables the provision ofvarious patterns of illumination to create an illusion of rotation orpulsation for the warning signal lamps 10 or LED replacement lamps 200without the use of mechanical devices. In these embodiments, thecontroller 50 regulates and/or modulates the power supplied to thewarning signal lamps 10 or LED replacement lamps 200 thereby varying theintensity of the observed light. In addition, the controller 50 maymodulate the power supplied to the LED warning signal lamps 10 or LEDreplacement lamps 200 in accordance with a sine wave pattern having arange of 0 to full intensity. At the instant of full intensity, thecontroller 50 may also signal or regulate a power burst for observationby an individual. The controller 50 operating to regulate and/ormodulate the power intensity for the warning signal lamps 10 or LEDreplacement lamps 200 may establish the appearance of a rotational lightsource or pulsating light source without the necessity of mechanicalrotational or oscillating devices. The current draw upon the electricalsystem for an emergency vehicle 104 is thereby reduced. Spatial and sizeconsiderations for an emergency vehicle are also preferably optimized byelimination of mechanical, rotational and/or oscillation devices.

The controller 50 may also regulate the modulated power intensity forthe provision of a unique variable intensity light source. The uniquevariable intensity light source is not required to cycle through a zerointensity phase. It is anticipated that in this embodiment that therange of intensity will cycle from any desired level between zero powerto full power as desired by an individual. A range of power intensitymay be provided between thirty percent to full power and back to thirtypercent as regulated by the controller 50. It should be further notedthat an irregular pattern of power intensity may be utilized to create adesired type of light effect. In addition, the controller 50 may alsosequentially illuminate adjacent columns 32 to provide a unique variablerotational, oscillating, pulsating, and/or combination variablerotational pulsating oscillating visual light effect. It should be notedthat a pulsating light source may be provided through the use of amodulated power intensity to establish a varying visual illumination orintensity effect as desired by an individual without the use ofrotational or oscillating devices. In this regard it should be notedthat the controller 50 may modulate the power intensity for anycombination of light sources 30 to provide a distinctive type of lightsignal.

The use of a controller 50 to provide a modulated power intensity for alight source may be used in conjunction with replacement lamps 200,flexible circuit boards having LED light sources 30, paneled circuitboards having LED light sources 30, light bars 70 having LED lightsources 30, a cylindrical, square, rectangular, or triangular-shapedcircuit boards having LED light sources 30 and/or any other type orshape of LED light sources including but not limited to the typesdepicted in FIGS. 1-25 herein.

Further, the controller 50 may be utilized to simultaneously providemodulated or variable light intensity to different and/or independentsections, areas, and/or sectors of a light bar 70. Also, the controller50 may be utilized to simultaneously provide modulated or variable lightintensity to different and/or independent sectors, areas, and/orsections of the forward facing side or rearward facing side of the lightbar 70. In this embodiment it is not required that the forward facingand rearward facing sides of the light bar 70 emit the identical visualpatterns of illuminated light sources 30. The controller 50 may regulateand modulate the variable light intensity of any desired section of theforward facing side independently from the rearward facing side of thelight bar 70. The controller 50 may thereby provide any desired patternand/or combination of patterns of light signals through the utilizationof variable and/or modulated light intensity for the forward facingside, and a different type or set of patterns and/or combination ofpatterns of light signals having variable or modulated light intensityfor the rearward facing side of the light bar 70 as desired by anindividual. It should be further noted that an infinite variety ofpatterns and/or combinations of patterns may be provided for the forwardfacing side and the rearward facing side of the light bar 70 a thepreference of an individual.

The use of the controller 50 to modulate the power intensity for a lightsource 30 to provide a a unique light signal may be utilized within anyembodiment of an LED light source 10, light bar 70, or replacement lamp200 as described herein.

It should be further noted that the modulation of the power intensityfor a light source 30 or replacement lamp 200 may be used inconjunction, or as a replacement of, the sequential illumination ofrows, columns, and/or individual LED light sources 30 to provide adesired type of unique light effect.

A modulated power intensity may be regulated by the controller 50 tocreate a unique light signal within a single sector or in conjunctionwith multiple separated or adjacent sectors of light bar 70 for theprovision of any desired composite emergency light signal as preferredby an individual. All individual LED light sources 30 within a light bar70 may be exposed to incrementally increased modulated power intensityto provide for an incremental increase in illumination as regulated by acontroller 50. The incremental increase in power may continue until suchtime as maximum power is applied to an individual light source 30whereon a power burst may occur. The modulation of the power intensityfor the incremental increase in illumination of all LED light sources 30within light bar 70 thereby may provide the appearance of rotation of alight signal when observed by an individual. The power to the individuallight sources 30 may then be incrementally decreased at the preferenceof an individual. It should be noted that the power is not required tobe regularly incrementally increased or decreased or terminated. It isanticipated that a pulsating and/or modulated variable light intensitymay be provided by the controller 50 for regulation of the power outputfrom approximately thirty percent to maximum and back to thirty percentwhich affords a desirable type of pulsating modulated variable lighteffect.

It should also be noted that all individual LED light sources 30 withina light bar 70 are not required to be simultaneously and incrementallyilluminated to provide for the appearance of rotation. For example, alight bar 70 may be separated into one or more distinct segments 76which are formed of one or more columns 32 of LED light sources 30. Aparticular segment 70 may be selected as a central illumination bandwhich may receive the greatest exposure to the modulated power sourceand, therefore, provide the brightest observable light signal. Anadjacent segment 78 may be disposed on each side of the centralillumination band which in turn may receive modulated power of reducedintensity as compared to the central illumination band. A pair ofremoved segments 80 may be adjacent and exterior to the segments 78, andin turn, may receive exposure to a modulated power source of reducedintensity as compared to segments 78. The number of desired segments maynaturally vary at the discretion of an individual. The controller 50 maythereby regulate a power source to provide a modulated or variable powerintensity to each individual segment 76, 78, or 80 to provide for aunique light effect for the light bar 70.

It should be further noted that light supports 12 may be flat and rigid,pliable, moldable, triangular, cylindrical, partially cylindrical,and/or any other shape as desired by an individual provided that theessential functions, features, and attributes described herein are notsacrificed.

The provision of a modulated power intensity to the light bar 70 mayalso be coupled with or in combination to the sequential illumination ofcolumns 32 as earlier described. In this situation, the light signal mayinitially be dim or off as the individual columns 32 are sequentiallyilluminated and extinguished for illumination of an adjacent column orcolumns 32. The power intensity for the illuminated column or columns 32may simultaneously be incrementally increased for a combination uniquerotational and pulsating modulated or variable light signal effect. Inaddition, the controller 50 may be programmed to provide the appearanceof rotation pulsation and/or oscillation at the discretion of anindividual.

Each individual LED light source 30 preferably provides an energy lightoutput of between 20 and 200 or more lumens as desired by an individual.

Each light support 12 preferably contains a plurality of rows 34 andcolumns 32 of individual LED light sources 30. The supports 12 arepreferably in electrical communication with the controller 50 and powersupply. The supports 12 preferably are controlled individually to createa desired light signal for an emergency vehicle 104 such as rotation,oscillation, strobe, flashing, or stationary as preferred by anindividual. Each support 12 may be controlled as part of an overalllight signal or pattern where individual supports 12 may be illuminatedto provide a desired type or combination of light signal in addition tothe provision of a modulated or variable power intensity for the lightsource 30.

A modulated power intensity may be regulated by the controller 50 tocreate the appearance of rotation within a single support 12 or inconjunction with multiple separated or adjacent supports 12 for theprovision of a composite emergency light signal as desired by anindividual. The light signal for each or a group of supports 12 may beregulated by the controller for the provision of a modulated powerintensity for an observable light signal. All individual LED lightsources 30 within a support 12 may be exposed to incrementally increasedmodulated or variable power intensity to provide for an incrementalincrease in illumination as regulated by a controller 50. Theincremental increase in power may continue until such time as maximumpower is applied to an individual light source 30 whereon a power burstmay occur. The modulation of the power intensity for the incrementalincrease in illumination of all LED light sources 30 within supports 12thereby may provide a desired visual light signal for observation by anindividual.

It should also be noted that the LED warning signal lamps 200 may beincorporated into a light bar 70 which extends from a position proximateto the driver's side 100 to a position proximate to the passenger side102 of an emergency vehicle 104. Cover 82 protects light bar 70 from theelements. Each of the forward facing and rearward facing sides of lightbar 70 may have LED's 30 to produce light signals on each side of lightbar 70. Furthermore, controller 50 is used to create multiple lightsignals on each of the forward facing and rearward facing sides of lightbar 70. For example, a controller 50 may create a blue light signalpositioned on the forward facing passenger side 102 of light bar 70,oscillating white lights positioned at the forward facing driver's side100, and yellow lights there between. Additional light signals may beproduced from the rearward facing side of light bar 70 at the discretionof an individual where these light signals are the same as or differentfrom the signals emitted from the forward side 100.

Mechanical rotation and oscillation of replacement lamps 200 about axisA is possible by way of attachment to gyrator 90 depicted in FIG. 3.Gyrator 90 mounted to a replacement lamp 200 generally compriseselectric motors 96 having cables 97. Gyrator 90 is configured to receiveconnecting portion 40 of replacement lamp 200. Connecting portion 40preferably includes a integral wire 202 to provide power forillumination of individual LED's 30. Cable 97 connects to a power supplyand either an external 55 or internal controller 50 at the discretion ofan individual.

Gyrator 90 may be capable of rotating or oscillating replacement lamps200 about a single or dual axis of rotation A. FIG. 3 shows gyrator 90configured to rotate replacement lamps 200 about a vertical axis A byway of motor 96.1 and oscillate replacement lamps 200 about a horizontalaxis A by way of motor 96.2. Rotation or oscillation of replacementlamps 200 about vertical axis A is accomplished through directattachment of a connecting portion to motor 96.1. Oscillation ofreplacement lamp 200 about horizontal axis A is accomplished byattaching swivel arm 99 to bracket 99.1 and post 99.2 which are mountedto motor 96.2.

Alternative methods of imparting rotation or oscillation to replacementlamps 200 may be accomplished through the use of electric motors, toothgears, and/or worm gears at the discretion of an individual.

It should be noted that each portion, section, sector, or area of lightbar 70 may be controlled as part of an overall light signal or patternwhere individual sections or sectors may be illuminated to provide adesired type of light signal including but not limited to rotationand/or oscillation through the use of a modulated or variable powerintensity. Alternatively, the controller 50 may provide for the randomgeneration of light signals without the use of a preset pattern at thepreference of an individual.

Controller 50 may be used to selectively activate individual LED's 30 tocreate a constant light signal, a strobe light signal, a flashing lightsignal, an alternating light signal, and/or an alternating coloredflashing light signal for an emergency vehicle.

Controller 50 provides a means for activating LED's 30 individually toallow for greater flexibility in the type of light signal created. Thisembodiment to the invention is capable of displaying information in avariety of different colors or sequential illumination of colors.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is,therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A warning signal light for use with a motorizedvehicle, the warning signal light comprising: a) a light support havinga front side with a first visible exterior surface; b) a plurality oflight emitting diodes arranged about and attached to the first visibleexterior surface; and c) a controller in electric communication with thelight emitting diodes, the controller constructed and arranged toactivate the light emitting diodes thereby producing at least twodifferent types of visually distinct warning light signals, wherein thecontroller provides variable illumination intensity to at least one ofsaid visually distinct warning light signals by selectively providingmodulated illumination to the light emitting diodes, said variableillumination intensity comprising non-constant luminosity, said lightemitting diodes receiving power from a power source.
 2. The warningsignal light of claim 1, said warning signal light further comprising aback side having a second visible exterior surface having a plurality oflight emitting diodes arranged about and attached to said second visibleexterior surface.
 3. The warning signal light of claim 2, wherein thecontroller independently controls the light emitting diodes on the firstvisible exterior surface and the second visible exterior surface for theprovision of different warning light signals on the first visibleexterior surface and the second visible exterior surface.
 4. The warningsignal light of claim 1, said plurality of light emitting diodescomprising light emitting diodes of at least two different colors. 5.The warning signal light of claim 4, the controller activating the lightemitting diodes to create at least one of a single colored warning lightsignal and at least one of a multi-colored warning light signal.
 6. Thewarning signal light of claim 1, wherein the motorized vehicle is autility vehicle.
 7. The warning signal light of claim 1, wherein themotorized vehicle is an emergency vehicle.
 8. The warning signal lightof claim 1, wherein the at least two different types of visuallydistinct warning light signals are produced simultaneously.
 9. Thewarning signal light of claim 1, wherein the at least two differenttypes of visually distinct warning light signals are produced in atleast one combination.
 10. The warning signal light of claim 9, whereinthree or more visually distinct warning light signals are generated inany combination.
 11. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein threeor more visually distinct warning light signals are generatedsimultaneously in any combination.
 12. The warning signal light of claim9, wherein three or more visually distinct warning light signals aregenerated alternatively in any combination.
 13. The warning signal lightof claim 9, wherein three or more visually distinct warning lightsignals are generated in any combination of two or more visuallydistinct warning light signals.
 14. The multiple warning signal light ofclaim 9, wherein three or more visually distinct warning light signalsare generated simultaneously in any combination of two or more visuallydistinct warning light signals.
 15. The warning signal light of claim 9,wherein three or more visually distinct warning signals are generatedalternatively in any combination of two or more visually distinctwarning light signals.
 16. The warning signal light of claim 9, whereinthree or more visually distinct warning light signals are generated inany combination of three or more visually distinct warning lightsignals.
 17. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated simultaneously inany combination of three or more visually distinct warning lightsignals.
 18. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated alternatively inany combination of three or more visually distinct warning lightsignals.
 19. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated in a regularpattern.
 20. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated in an intermittentpattern.
 21. The warning signal light of claims 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated in an irregularpattern.
 22. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated in a regularsequence.
 23. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated in an intermittentsequence.
 24. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated in an irregularsequence.
 25. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three or morevisually distinct warning light signals are generated at regularintervals.
 26. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein three ormore visually distinct warning light signals are generated atintermittent intervals.
 27. The warning signal light of claim 9, whereinthree or more visually distinct warning light signals are generated atirregular intervals.
 28. The warning signal light of claim 9, whereinthe at least two visually distinct warning light signals are generatedin any combination.
 29. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein theat least two visually distinct warning light signals are generatedsimultaneously in any combination.
 30. The warning signal light of claim9, wherein the at least two visually distinct warning light signals aregenerated alternatively in any combination.
 31. The warning signal lightof claim 9, wherein the at least two visually distinct warning lightsignals are generated in a regular pattern.
 32. The warning signal lightof claim 9, wherein the at least two different types of visuallydistinct warning light signals are generated in an intermittent pattern.33. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein the at least twodifferent types of visually distinct warning light signals are generatedin an irregular pattern.
 34. The warning signal light of claim 9,wherein the at least two different types of visually distinct warninglight signals are generated in a regular sequence.
 35. The warningsignal light of claim 9, wherein the at least two different types ofvisually distinct warning light signals are generated in an intermittentsequence.
 36. The warning signal light of claim 9, wherein the at leasttwo different types of visually distinct warning light signals aregenerated in an irregular sequence.
 37. The warning signal light ofclaim 9, wherein the at least two different types of visually distinctwarning light signals are generated at regular intervals.
 38. Thewarning signal light of claim 9, wherein the at least two differenttypes of visually distinct warning light signals are generated atintermittent intervals.
 39. The warning signal light of claim 9, whereinthe at least two different types of visually distinct warning lightsignals are generated at irregular intervals.
 40. The warning signallight of claim 9, wherein said two or more visually distinct warninglight signals are generated in any combination.
 41. The warning signallight of claim 9, wherein said two or more visually distinct warninglight signals are generated simultaneously in any combination of two ormore visually distinct warning light signals.